The process kicks off with the Sponsors bringing the prospective candidate to two events before they formally join the process.

April: canvass the membership for proposed candidates

May: circulate the names of the proposed candidates to the membership for comment.  Membership Committee will continue to solicit members’ comments throughout the process.

June: formally invite the Candidates to begin the process, set calendar dates for the events of the process and distribute the syllabus.

Summer and early fall: With spouse, join any two members of the Operating and/or Membership Committees and/or the Grand Sénéchal for introductions and drinks on two occasions

Summer and early fall: two seminars.  The objectives are to impart knowledge, assess the Candidates’ level of knowledge and suitability, and build camaraderie among the class.

Late September/early October:  Wine Committee Dinner.  Mandatory attendance.

Late September/early October:  Candidates’ Cocktail Party.  Candidates to introduce themselves, talk for a few minutes about their interest in wine, Burgundy, and the SCFC, and present a bottle of wine which they will have poured around for the other attendees.  The other attendees will include their Sponsors, the EC, and the MC.

Late October/early November: Mock CD.  Going forward, we might consider a more concentrated format than in the past, perhaps on a Sunday afternoon at which we have a more rigorous inquisition with light snacks and BYOB.  

Early January: Candidates’ Dinner.  

February: Châpitre